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Recent Studies in Conservation articlesenThe restoration of the Stone Fountain in Kutná Hora: An assessment of the contemporary intervention within the context of repairs throughout historyhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7223
<span class="biblio-authors">Ďoubal, J., </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7223">The restoration of the Stone Fountain in Kutná Hora: An assessment of the contemporary intervention within the context of repairs throughout history</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 7: Routledge, pp. 371-383, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=The+restoration+of+the+Stone+Fountain+in+Kutn%C3%A1+Hora%3A+An+assessment+of+the+contemporary+intervention+within+the+context+of+repairs+throughout+history&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=371&amp;rft.epage=383&amp;rft.aulast=%C4%8Eoubal&amp;rft.aufirst=Jakub&amp;rft.pub=Routledge&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1206246"></span><br />
Abstract: The Stone Fountain is situated in the historical centre of Kutná Hora, a UNESCO listed town, and one of the most important monuments in Bohemia. The fountain was constructed from 1493 to 1495 and was originally built of biodetritic limestone. During extensive reconstruction in the nineteenth century a substantial part of the ornamentation was replaced with fine-grained sandstone of inferior quality, resulting in a range of problems at a later date. During the twentieth century, the fountain underwent several repairs which failed to halt the process of degradation, and conversely had a negative effect on the condition of the monument. The last restoration intervention, undertaken from 2010 to 2011, resulted after a thorough examination of the monument documenting the damage and establishing the principal causes of the damage. The subsequent conservation, proposed on the basis of the aforementioned examination, revolved around the extensive cement repairs and acrylic coatings covering the surface, causing significant deterioration to the stone underneath. Furthermore, the deep salinity of the masonry and vast diversity of materials had to be addressed, alongside questions concerning the presentation of the architectonic work and options for its preventive conservation. This article includes a description of the adopted concept, applied processes, and an assessment of the interventions after a five-year interval.17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7223A non-destructive approach using MatLab software for morphology analysis of ancient mural deteriorationhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7224
<span class="biblio-authors">Zhang, Y., J. Wang, H. Liu, and X. Wang, </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7224">A non-destructive approach using MatLab software for morphology analysis of ancient mural deterioration</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 7: Routledge, pp. 384-392, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=A+non-destructive+approach+using+MatLab+software+for+morphology+analysis+of+ancient+mural+deterioration&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=384&amp;rft.epage=392&amp;rft.aulast=Zhang&amp;rft.aufirst=Yidong&amp;rft.au=Wang%2C+Julin&amp;rft.au=Liu%2C+Hongli&amp;rft.au=Wang%2C+Xudong&amp;rft.pub=Routledge&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1183864"></span><br />
Abstract: The murals in Dunhuang Grottoes, a famous world cultural heritage site, are precious and unique, so research on mural surface changes and evaluation of the degree of deterioration should be non-destructive. In this study, tracking photographs of a simulated mural surface were processed with MatLab software to obtain a three-dimensional image and Z axis data, and a calculation method for quantitative analysis was also proposed. The feasibility of this approach was confirmed by simulated experiments of mural damage in the laboratory and analysis of real murals in situ. It was also applied to analysis of surface deterioration of an earthen archaeological site before and after rainfall erosion. As a simple and non-destructive approach, it could be used for the analysis of micro changes in murals or for monitoring real time surface changes at cultural heritage sites.17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7224Distribution of moisture in reconstructed oil paintings on canvas during absorption and drying: A neutron radiography and NMR studyhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7225
<span class="biblio-authors">Hendrickx, R., E. S. B. Ferreira, J. J. Boon, G. Desmarais, D. Derome, L. Angelova, D. Mannes, A. Kaestner, H. Huinink, K. Kuijpers, et al., </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7225">Distribution of moisture in reconstructed oil paintings on canvas during absorption and drying: A neutron radiography and NMR study</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 7: Routledge, pp. 393-409, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=Distribution+of+moisture+in+reconstructed+oil+paintings+on+canvas+during+absorption+and+drying%3A+A+neutron+radiography+and+NMR+study&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=393&amp;rft.epage=409&amp;rft.aulast=Hendrickx&amp;rft.aufirst=Roel&amp;rft.au=Ferreira%2C+Ester&amp;rft.au=Boon%2C+Jaap&amp;rft.au=Desmarais%2C+Guylaine&amp;rft.au=Derome%2C+Dominique&amp;rft.au=Angelova%2C+Lora&amp;rft.au=Mannes%2C+David&amp;rft.au=Kaestner%2C+Anders&amp;rft.au=Huinink%2C+Henk&amp;rft.au=Kuijpers%2C+Kees&amp;rft.au=Voogt%2C+Benjamin&amp;rft.au=Richardson%2C+Emma&amp;rft.pub=Routledge&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1181899"></span><br />
Abstract: Moisture is a driving factor in the long-term mechanical deterioration of canvas paintings, as well as for a number of physico–chemical degradation processes. Since the 1990s a number of publications have addressed the equilibrium hygroscopic uptake and the hygro-mechanical deformation of linen canvas, oil paint, animal glue, and ground paint. In order to visualise and quantify the dynamic behaviour of these materials combined in a painting mock-up or reconstruction, we have performed custom-designed experiments with neutron radiography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging. This paper reports how both techniques were used to obtain spatially and temporally resolved information on moisture content, during alternate exposure to high and low relative humidity, or in contact with liquids of varying water activities. We observed how the canvas, which is the dominant component in terms of volumetric moisture uptake, absorbs and dries rapidly, and, due to its low vapour resistance, allows for vapour transfer towards the ground layer. Moisture desorption was generally found to be faster than absorption. The presence of sizing glue leads to a local increase of moisture content. It was observed that lining a painting with an extra canvas results in a damping effect: i.e. absorption and drying are significantly slowed down. The results obtained by NMR are complementary to neutron radiography in that they allow accurate monitoring of water ingress in contact with a liquid reservoir. Quantitative results are in good agreement with adsorption isotherms. The findings can be used for risk analysis of paintings exposed to changing micro-climates or subjected to conservation treatments using water. Future studies addressing moisture-driven deformation of paintings can make use of the proposed experimental techniques.17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7225New insights on the corrosion of ancient bronzes using X-ray powder diffraction: The importance of paratacamite, sampleite, and connellitehttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7226
<span class="biblio-authors">Scott, D. A., </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7226">New insights on the corrosion of ancient bronzes using X-ray powder diffraction: The importance of paratacamite, sampleite, and connellite</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 7: Routledge, pp. 410-418, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=New+insights+on+the+corrosion+of+ancient+bronzes+using+X-ray+powder+diffraction%3A+The+importance+of+paratacamite%2C+sampleite%2C+and+connellite&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=410&amp;rft.epage=418&amp;rft.aulast=Scott&amp;rft.aufirst=David&amp;rft.pub=Routledge&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1219466"></span><br />
Abstract: Research employing X-ray powder diffraction shows that clinoatacamite as the phase which should be predominant in the chloride-induced corrosion of ancient bronzes is not necessarily the dominant copper trihydroxychloride species at all, since mixtures are common, and other phases such as paratacamite or the dubious mineral phase anarakite have relevance to the corrosion products or patina of bronze antiquities. The potential reasons for this are discussed and related to the compositional parameters of ancient bronzes as well as the burial environment. Paratacamite is still identified, even in the absence of zinc, which is supposed to be the major stabilizing influence on the paratacamite lattice. X-ray power diffraction has been employed in the examination of a range of ancient bronzes from Chinese, Egyptian, Ecuadorian, Lydian, Albanian, Palestinian, and Greek contexts. This study has revealed that, far from being exotic novelties, the occurrence of both sampleite and connellite as important corrosion products of ancient bronzes has been underestimated in the published literature. Many occurrences of sampleite are related to the decomposition of contiguous human remains rather than to arid environmental factors which is the explanation for the occurrence in a geological environment, but in a burial environment other factors come into consideration.17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7226Writing histories for late-medieval objects: The engagement of conservation with theoretical perspectives on material culturehttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7227
<span class="biblio-authors">Streeton, N. L. W., </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7227">Writing histories for late-medieval objects: The engagement of conservation with theoretical perspectives on material culture</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 7: Routledge, pp. 419-431, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=Writing+histories+for+late-medieval+objects%3A+The+engagement+of+conservation+with+theoretical+perspectives+on+material+culture&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=419&amp;rft.epage=431&amp;rft.aulast=Streeton&amp;rft.aufirst=No%C3%ABlle&amp;rft.pub=Routledge&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1210752"></span><br />
Abstract: The current discipline of conservation lacks a satisfactory theoretical and methodological framework to guide historical writing beyond scientific methods. To address this gap, this paper evaluates disciplinary shortcomings and proposes a solution for a project based in Oslo that takes advantage of disciplinary strengths. The solution involves the adaptation of a robust critical approach that is closely aligned with post-processualism in archaeology, which notably engages with theoretical perspectives on material culture. The framework offers guidance for arguments developed around physical transformations of late-medieval liturgical objects and the circumstances (physical, environmental, and socio-political) that continually define and re-define their meanings. The themes chosen for the project set this research at the cross-roads between conservation and material culture studies, with investigations directed towards tangible and intangible transformations, or phases in the ‘lives’ of objects that pre-date the Reformation but are now held in museums.17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7227Corrigendumhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7228
17 Sep 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7228Analysis and conservation of modern modeling materials found in Auguste Rodin&#039;s sculptureshttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7134
<span class="biblio-authors">Langlois, J., G. Mary, H. Bluzat, A. Cascio, N. Balcar, Y. Vandenberghe, and M. Cotte, </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7134">Analysis and conservation of modern modeling materials found in Auguste Rodin's sculptures</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 247-265, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=Analysis+and+conservation+of+modern+modeling+materials+found+in+Auguste+Rodin%26%23039%3Bs+sculptures&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=247&amp;rft.epage=265&amp;rft.aulast=Langlois&amp;rft.aufirst=Juliette&amp;rft.au=Mary%2C+Guylaine&amp;rft.au=Bluzat%2C+H%C3%A9l%C3%A8ne&amp;rft.au=Cascio%2C+Agn%C3%A8s&amp;rft.au=Balcar%2C+Nathalie&amp;rft.au=Vandenberghe%2C+Yannick&amp;rft.au=Cotte%2C+Marine&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2015.1131029"></span><br />
Abstract: Prior to the exhibition Portrait-making, Rodin and his models (2009), the Rodin museum wanted to restore two busts of Hanako and Clemenceau. Interestingly, these two sculptures contain pieces of modern modeling materials (MMMs) invented at the end of the nineteenth century as an alternative to clay or waxes. The poor state of conservation of the two portraits made any handling and exhibition impossible. Accordingly, the purpose of this article is twofold: to contribute to technical art history and conservation. Elemental and chemical analyses were done on samples from 12 sculptures (SEM–EDX, FTIR, GC–MS, GC–FID, XRD, synchrotron-based µXRF, µXANES, and µFTIR) aimed at identifying the composition of MMMs used by Rodin on plaster sculptures and establishing hypotheses about the origins of their degradation. This thorough study of their composition and degradation was necessary to implement an appropriate restoration plan. The development of conservation protocols adapted to such materials is rarely documented. Different tests were performed on mock-ups (pH, solubility, adhesion, consolidation, and cleaning). In particular, a protocol based on laser cleaning was developed and successfully applied to remove superficial dust and crusts so that the sculptures regained their original aspect.26 Jul 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7134The terracotta modelli of Palazzo Venezia in Rome: Investigation of the constituent materials for fundamental knowledge and to aid conservation decisionshttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7133
<span class="biblio-authors">Pelosi, C., D. Fodaro, L. Sforzini, C. Falcucci, and P. Baraldi, </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7133">The terracotta modelli of Palazzo Venezia in Rome: Investigation of the constituent materials for fundamental knowledge and to aid conservation decisions</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 266-282, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=The+terracotta+modelli+of+Palazzo+Venezia+in+Rome%3A+Investigation+of+the+constituent+materials+for+fundamental+knowledge+and+to+aid+conservation+decisions&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=266&amp;rft.epage=282&amp;rft.aulast=Pelosi&amp;rft.aufirst=Claudia&amp;rft.au=Fodaro%2C+Davide&amp;rft.au=Sforzini%2C+Livia&amp;rft.au=Falcucci%2C+Claudio&amp;rft.au=Baraldi%2C+Pietro&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1179%2F2047058415Y.0000000021"></span><br />
Abstract: This work presents the results of the investigation carried out on a group of terracotta sculptures (modelli) (sixteenth to eighteenth century) belonging to the extraordinary collection of Palazzo Venezia in Rome. The study, the diagnostic analysis, and the conservation work, were possible thanks to the grant supplied by the Getty Foundation of Los Angeles and by the bank Intesa San Paolo. The terracotta modelli had a practical function as they were of great use as sketches to the creation of the final masterpieces or as models for restoration. As a consequence, the terracotta models allow reconstructing the creative process of artists and restorers, fundamental to outlining the ancient workshop production. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, micro-stratigraphic investigation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy were chosen as useful techniques to study the morphology and composition of the surface-painted layers. Usually the surfaces were painted in order to simulate the materials of the sculpture for which the model was created, for example lead white was used to obtain a white surface simulating marble. But, often the models were re-painted to make them more attractive for the antique trade. So, several pigments have been found on the surfaces such as zinc white, Prussian blue, chrome yellow, and mono-azo pigment. In some cases, the characterization of the surface paintings was particularly important to the final decision about removing or leaving the surface paint in place.26 Jul 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7133Italian technical literature in the field of architectural restoration: The case study of the Historic Memories about the Vatican Church by Giovanni Polenihttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7132
<span class="biblio-authors">Bianco, A., </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7132">Italian technical literature in the field of architectural restoration: The case study of the Historic Memories about the Vatican Church by Giovanni Poleni</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 283-293, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=Italian+technical+literature+in+the+field+of+architectural+restoration%3A+The+case+study+of+the+Historic+Memories+about+the+Vatican+Church+by+Giovanni+Poleni&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=283&amp;rft.epage=293&amp;rft.aulast=Bianco&amp;rft.aufirst=Alessia&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1148379"></span><br />
Abstract: This paper provides a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution to the debate about strategies for the divulgation of the Italian technical literature of the eighteenth century in English-speaking countries with attention to the Italian universities and cultural institutions of the time. The paper contains a survey of the historical bibliography of contemporary translations of non-technical treatises of architecture in the English language and it proceeds to draw up a set of guidelines (decalogue) of different recently proposed methodologies and strategies. It describes the selection of the treatise to translate, relevant to the context and authoritative knowledge in the European scientific background of the eighteenth century; it continues by proposing a synopsis of the original text in the Italian modern language, a strategy used in order to make historical technical treatises accessible to the contemporary scientific Italian language. Approaches and strategies are experimented with in the case study of Historic Memories about the Great Dome of the Vatican Church (Le Memorie Istoriche della Gran Cupola Vaticana) by Giovanni Poleni, one of the most authoritative scholars of eighteenth-century Europe.26 Jul 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7132Can LEDs help with art conservation? – Impact of different light spectra on paint pigment degradationhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7131
<span class="biblio-authors">Lunz, M., E. Talgorn, J. Baken, W. Wagemans, and D. Veldman, </span>
<span class="biblio-title">&quot;<a href="/node/7131">Can LEDs help with art conservation? – Impact of different light spectra on paint pigment degradation</a>&quot;, </span>
<i>Studies in Conservation</i>, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 294-303, 2017.
<span class="Z3988" title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&amp;rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&amp;rft.atitle=Can+LEDs+help+with+art+conservation%3F+%E2%80%93+Impact+of+different+light+spectra+on+paint+pigment+degradation&amp;rft.title=Studies+in+Conservation&amp;rft.date=2017&amp;rft.volume=62&amp;rft.spage=294&amp;rft.epage=303&amp;rft.aulast=Lunz&amp;rft.aufirst=Manuela&amp;rft.au=Talgorn%2C+Elise&amp;rft.au=Baken%2C+Jannie&amp;rft.au=Wagemans%2C+Wiebe&amp;rft.au=Veldman%2C+Dirk&amp;rft_id=info%3Adoi%2F10.1080%2F00393630.2016.1189997"></span><br />
Abstract: The impact of the spectral composition of light on the discoloration of paint pigments has been investigated for the case of lead chromate sulfate, an unstable yellow pigment used by Vincent van Gogh and other painters. With LEDification, museum lighting is moving from using halogen to LED lamps. LED light sources have a significantly different spectral composition than halogen lamps. To understand the impact of these differences on pigment stability, the wavelength dependence of pigment discoloration was determined. Contrary to the expectation that lower wavelength photons induce more damage than higher wavelength ones, UV (394 nm), blue, and cyan light all lead to similar levels of discoloration of a pigment for the same level of radiant power. By understanding this wavelength dependence, it becomes possible to create white light LED lamps with a spectral composition tuned to minimize the degradation effect. An existing LED solution with a modified emission indeed resulted in 30% less color change in the experiment than halogen. Furthermore, a method is proposed to optimize the LED spectra by tuning to the properties of each specific artifact. Simulations show that this can reduce the damage of the light source by 45% in specific cases.26 Jul 2017IIC Webmasterhttps://www.iiconservation.org/node/7131